The cost to roof a house can be a daunting number, especially if you weren’t expecting the need for a roof replacement or repair. The process to getting a roof replacement only gets more confusing when multiple contractors are giving different estimates. Even a quick Google search results in a wide range of pricing from $2,000 to $15,000.
The truth is, the cost to roof a house can vary greatly depending on a few different factors. Understanding what roofing contractors consider when they give an estimate can be very helpful when you’re trying to calculate the cost of a roof.
Roofing is an investment that is best done right the first time. Layering another roof on top of your existing one may seem like a good way to minimize costs, but most building codes allow two layers of roofing. If your old roof is in bad shape, leaking, or can’t support the weight of a new roof on top of it, then it’s best to remove it to avoid unexpected problems in the future. In addition to the time and labor it takes to remove a roof, contractors will also need to consider disposal and landfill charges.
Size is the biggest contributing factor when it comes to roofing costs. A reliable contractor will come and measure the roof of your house in order to give the best estimate. The shape and slope are also critical factors in an estimation. Roofs that are considerably sloped will require more shingles and extra safety measures will need to be taken to do the install. Flat or low sloped roofs will also require a little extra care and attention, especially if you live in an area with a rainy climate.
Now that you know the size of your roof, it’s time to consider the materials. There are a variety of roofing materials out there. Basic 3-tab asphalt shingles will be the least expensive and can last up to 25 years. There are also architectural and premium asphalt shingles. They are thicker than 3-tab shingles and last longer, but cost more depending on the manufacturer. Nowadays, metal roofs are also growing in popularity, coming in different styles and colors. They are energy efficient and can last up to 50 years.
Safety equipment, time, and labor are all other factors in the cost to roof a house. If you undergoing a replacement because you experienced roofing problems, it’s possible your contractor could find more damage after removing your existing roof. Storm damage and wood rot are often unexpected damages that add to roofing costs. Extra roofing features like skylights, chimneys, and vents will also add to roofing costs.
If you think your home may be due for a roof replacement, give IBEX Roof a call! We will come examine your roof to recommend the best course of action and provide an estimate. Maybe you are considering a full replacement when you only need a partial replacement, or maybe a roofing issue was caught early enough and won’t take long to repair. No matter the case, IBEX strives to make the roofing process as painless as possible for our customers.
If you have bought a home in the past or watched any home renovation show, you already know that purchasing a house can sometimes be accompanied with unpleasant surprises and costs. When you’re buying a new home, determining the roof’s health is vital; don’t let a bad roof of a new home become a blindsiding expense!
It’s always a good idea to know what work is ahead, even if you are comfortable with buying a new home that needs fixing. Sometimes, the signs that repair is needed are obvious: mold, rot, damaged shingles, etc. But when everything seems to look fine, here are some points to keep in mind before buying a new home.
Roofs may last a long time when well-maintained, but unfortunately, they do not last forever. There are a variety of roofing materials out there that all have different lifespans:
Material, manufacturer, and proper maintenance are all factors that contribute to the average lifespan of a roof. Getting the basic information about a roof can help you figure out what types of repairs may be needed in the future, or if you need to plan for a replacement.
Proper roof ventilation will prevent mold, wood rot, or warping on the roof. It will also reduce heating and cooling costs and extend the life of your roof shingles. A home inspector will be able to determine if the roof of your potential home is well-ventilated. If the roof does not have any or adequate ventilation, your inspector can tell you what steps are required to fix the problem.
Gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes help to prevent water from sitting under roof shingles and damaging a home’s foundation. If the drainage system isn’t working properly, you may end up with some serious problems later on. A home that seems to be in good condition without a good drainage system could also have undetectable damage.
You may not be able to detect every roof problem during a home inspection, but try to ask the right questions to get all the information you can. Again, even if you are buying a new home with the intention of fixing it up, understanding what problems exist before purchasing will allow you to better plan ahead.
Do you know how to tell when you need a roof replacement? Some signs are more obvious than others, but it’s important to keep track of the state of your roof. Most of the time, simple maintenance and repair can help keep your roof in optimal condition. However, roofs don’t last forever, and when it’s time for a replacement, you don’t want to wait too long to get it done. Read on to learn when is the right time for a roof replacement.
The average asphalt roof lasts between 20 to 25 years. Take a look at your home improvement records to see when your roof was last replaced. If it’s been over 20 years and you’ve been having problems, then that’s a sign that it’s the right time for a roof replacement. If you aren’t having problems, it still might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor to discuss any areas of your roof that may need maintenance or repair.
Missing or damaged shingles can sometimes be replaced if only a small area of your roof seems damaged. But if all the shingles on your roof are curled, torn, or just plain wonky, that is when you should replace your roof. If you have an asphalt roof, you should occasionally inspect the shingles for granule loss. Granules help protect your roof from water and UV rays. If it seems like your shingles have lost their granules, then it may be time for a roof replacement.
When you notice a small waterfall flowing in from your ceiling, then something definitely needs to be fixed. Small water leaks will likely just require repair, but when there are many water leaks and the repair expenses are starting to add up, consider getting a roof replacement. Otherwise, you are risking expensive damage to the rest of your home.
Here are some tips you can follow to keep your roof in good shape. Whether you’ve recently replaced your roof, or if it’s still not the right time for a roof replacement, doing your part to maintain your roof will help it live a long, lasting life.
The simplest way to keep your roof in working condition is to keep it clear of debris. This includes leaves, flowers, and branches. Using something as simple as a leaf blower is enough to keep your roof clean; there’s no need to climb up there with a brush to maintain your roof!
Get what you pay for by following the terms of your roof’s warranty! That way, if anything ever happens, you’re covered. For example, NEVER pressure wash your roof, as that can decrease the lifespan of your roof and void your warranty.
If you’re still not sure whether or not it’s the right time for a roof replacement, shoot IBEX Roofing a message. We are always happy to help!
Roof leaks are usually a result of another undetected problem on your roof. It’s important for house owners to know how to find a roof leak before it causes further damage to their home! Today, we will go over why your roof may be leaking and how to fix it.
It’s helpful to know the different reasons why roofs leak so you can prevent your roof from leaking at all. Some of the most common reasons include:
It’s important to know some of the basic signs on how to find a roof leak so you can act fast as soon as there is a problem. The most obvious sign of a roof leak is if you hear or see water dripping from your ceiling and into your house. If there’s no dripping, you may still notice discoloration and wet spots in your ceiling or drywall. Prevent water from pooling in your drywall by poking a small hole in your wall and draining the water into a bucket until you can get your roof leak fixed.
You can also find a roof leak by going into your attic, if you have one, and checking for wet spots or dark stains after heavy rain. If you think there may be a roof leak and you want to be proactive, you can also wet your roof with a hose on a dry day and see if any wet spots show up in your attic ceiling.
If you don’t have an attic and want to take a look at your roof, keep an eye out for damage, missing shingles, or gaps in the flashing. Always be careful when climbing up to your roof, and never go on a steep roof alone or without safety measures.
When you know your roof is leaking, it’s vital to get it fixed before your leak causes mold, wood rot, fungus, or any structural damage to your home. Depending on what the situation is, there are a few ways to resolve a roof leak.
If your roof leak is a result of cracked flashing, we can use roofing cement to seal the gaps. We can also replace missing or torn shingles with new ones, as well as rotted rafters or decking. Sometimes, roof leaks can happen if a roof is really old. In those cases, you may just need a full roof replacement to keep your house safe.
IBEX Roofing is no stranger to the Vancouver weather, and we know exactly how to find a roof leak. It’s usually during the most inopportune times when roofs start to leak, which is why we recommend scheduling roof maintenance before a small issue turns into a big problem. If you suspect a roof leak, we can help pinpoint it and repair it accordingly. Call IBEX at (360) 218-3108 to schedule an appointment today!
The leaves keep falling and the weather continues to get colder, which means it’s time to prepare your roof for winter. No one wants to experience a collapsed roof or bursting pipes on a cold winter’s day, which is why winterizing your roof during the fall is so important! Follow these tips to keep your home safe this winter.
Part of winterizing your roof is to just take a look around to make sure everything looks the way it should be. If anything looks out of place or needs repair, it is best to get it done before winter sets in.
Major things to look out for are:
Repair and reseal any areas that may have weathered or cracked sealant to prevent water leakage, and double check any areas where shingles meet flashings. The shingles should lay above the metal, not underneath.
Once you’ve checked over the structure of your roof and everything looks in good shape, it’s time to start cleaning. Clumps of debris and dirt on your roof when the freezing rain or snow hits can cause major damage to your roof. Protect your roof from frozen piles of leaves, twigs, and branches by blowing away any debris on your roof, making sure to clear out all the valleys and other hidden crevices.
Next, clean out your gutters. If you’ve noticed that your gutters are sagging, splitting, peeling paint, rusty, or overflowing during rain, then it may be time to replace them. Otherwise, clear away any debris to ensure proper water drainage. Keeping your gutters clear will not only help water to drain correctly, but it also prevents ice accumulation, which could cause major damage to your house.
Lastly, it’s time to clear out your exhaust vents. Cleaning the exhaust vents are an easy item to overlook, and most professionals recommend getting it done once a year. If you haven’t cleaned your exhaust vents this year, there’s no better time than before winter hits.
Maintaining and taking care of your roof can seem daunting, but IBEX is here to help take the pressure off. Whether you need a roof inspection, gutter cleaning, or a complete roof repair, we are here to help you prepare your roof for winter! Give us a call to set up an appointment today.
What can you do to make sure you are protected during your roofing project in Vancouver WA and/or Portland OR?
Perhaps this is a no-brainer, but the first step is to make sure your roofer is licensed to do work in your state. Whether you are looking for a roof in Vancouver or Portland, they should have a business license for the appropriate state. Because our metro area spans two states, it can get a little tricky! Just remember to hire someone who is licensed in the same state as where the roof work will be complete. It may not seem like a big deal if you meet someone trustworthy, but following this rule is important and for your own protection!
What is a bond? A bond protects you in case the roofer fails to complete the project or runs off with your money. The roofer should show you proof of their bond. Both Oregon and Washington have separate bond requirements. Depending on the state they are located in, the paperwork may look a little different. However, in both states, the bond paperwork should show the amount of the bond. NEVER GIVE YOUR ROOFER A DOWN PAYMENT LARGER THAN THEIR BOND BEFORE WORK STARTS.
Does worker’s compensation matter for your roofing project? While #3 on the list, it is without a doubt the most important. If your roofer doesn’t have worker’s comp for every single employee, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURIES ($$$) that happen on your job site. Roofing is ranked #4 in terms of workplace fatalities. Don’t believe it? Here’s a link to a lawyer’s website where someone fell off the roof: http://www.rhlaw.com/blog/homeowner-sued-by-subcontractors-injured-employee/
Many companies hire subcontractors as a way of getting out of the responsibility of ensuring all requirements are met and cutting costs. Besides the legal issues involved with hiring roofers and subs, the roofing contractor working on your roof may not show up if an issue arises. Thus begins the finger-pointing, while you have water pouring in your bedroom….
Whether you’re looking for a roofer in Vancouver WA, Portland OR, or somewhere else, these are just four of the many questions you need to ask your roofing contractor. For a more complete guide to your roofing project. Get in touch with IBEX Roof for an estimate with one of our knowledgeable roofing estimators!
Well, the so called killer may not be quite what you were expecting, however, it’s a pretty big deal none-the-less. Let’s discuss attic venting.
A very real issue, improper attic venting can cause big problems for your roof, your home’s structural integrity, and your family’s health. When a home’s attic is not properly vented, condensation occurs. Condensation in your attic mostly occurs during the winter months when you are heating your home and the attic is feeling the heat from below and the cold from above. However, in the summer an improperly vented attic can reach extremely high temperatures which is equally unhealthy. The closer the attic is to the outside temperature, the better. So, what’s wrong with condensation? A lot of things, like:
There are some contributing factors that you can control, such as:
So, what’s the real answer? You don’t need to panic. The recommended number of vents depends on roof slope and whether or not your attic floor has a vapor barrier. The ratio usually lies somewhere between 1:150 and 1:300 (square feet of venting to square feet of attic space).
Also, the square footage of intake vents must be equal to or greater than the square footage of exhaust vents.
Pretty simple really. If it’s all a bit too much for you, don’t worry, a quick inspection from your preferred roofer will ease your mind. Or at the least give you a sense of direction.
The bottom line here: Don’t let the monster in the attic kill your mojo. And, of course, remember that IBEX Roof has your back.
(360)218-3108
Surely you’ve heard the phrase, “knowledge is power”? Well this certainly holds true when you go to sell your home. Often, home-owners may wonder what (if anything) they need to do about their roof before they sell. And the short answer is, well, there is no short answer! But we do have a few “rules of thumb” to use as a guide.
So there you have it! Now YOU have the knowledge that will give you power when selling your home. Power to relax when your home inspection results come through, power to keep your money in your pocket (or at least boomerang it), power to negotiate when the bidding war starts, power to sell your home in the shape you would want to buy it!
And of course, if you still have burning questions or simply need a roofing contractor that will exceed all your expectations, call us!
As part of our thank you for your business, we wanted share some professional tips for keeping your roof in good shape:
Keep it clean: Blow off any debris sitting on your roof like leaves, fir needles, or even dust and tree flowers. If you do this 2-4 times a year, it’ll help you beat moss growth and avoid water backup during storms. Plus, it will keep roof looking beautiful!
Stay ahead of the moss: If you have an algae resistant shingle, all you need to is keep it clean. Otherwise, watch for areas that are prone for moss like the north side and overhanging trees. Here you can use zinc powder before the moss has a chance to grow.
Trim back your trees: Trees are super hard on roofs, so you’ll want to trim them back to keep debris from falling onto the roof. If the branches are actually touching the roof, this will create water dams and could really damage the shingles! And, as mentioned earlier, this will accelerate moss growth.
Maintenance Mistakes: Sometimes roof damage is caused by good intentions, so we want to make sure you have the right information about caring for your roof:
Follow these simple steps and your roof is to keep looking beautiful for years to come.
